New Release: Shoulda Known Better

Do you like to read urban short stories? Well, Sandra Peoples has penned one that is destined to keep you on your toes.

Jamaica McGee meets the man of her dreams during her freshman college orientation. 
That man is Derrick Lewis, a handsome man who seems to have it all together. Then things quickly spiral out of control when Jamaica decides that she wants Derrick to be 'her first'. 
No sooner than she gives Derrick her special gift, Jamaica finds out that she may not be the only girl in Derrick's life after all, when another girl calls his phone. 
Not only that, but Derrick may be hiding more than just another woman from her. 
As the lies and secrets start to unfold, Jamaica finds herself at a crossroads between the man she loves and saving her own life.
Download this short urban fiction story today from Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/25GRfzh

Publish Your Book This Summer

Do something exciting this summer!

Get started on your journey towards becoming a published author this summer!

Get all of the details and start your own journey today! Get started with Sandra!

How To Sell More Books Online

Here's How To Sell More Books Online

One of the best pieces of advice that I have heard in order to sell more books online is about to be revealed right here on this blog post.

But first, a little spiel....

A big hello to everyone who has been following this blog.
I had taken a hiatus for a while, built a new blog and some other things.
But I am back now and ready to get back to promoting authors and entrepreneurs.
That was my little spiel about where I've been.

I get a lot of questions from authors wanting to know how to sell more books online.

In order sell more books online it is a good thing to diversify the sites where your books can be found.

What do I mean by that?

Make your books available for sale on more than one site.

While there are some authors who have experiences massive sales by offering their books exclusively on Amazon through their Kindle Unlimited Program, I am not one to put all of my eggs in one basket.

For instance, Authors who sold their books exclusively on Amazon through the KDP Unlimited Program were probably hurt by the recent changes made to the way they pay their authors who use the program.

Your book should be available on more than one platform because even though it may seem as though the whole world using Amazon to shop, there is still a number of people who do not.

People who have Apple products will more than likely shop in the Apple store first.

Then there are those who have Nooks who shop on Barnes and Noble's site.

Why wouldn't you want to expose your books to those readers?

You don't have to manually submit your book to each site individually,

You can use a site called Smashwords to make the process of making your ebooks available for sale on other sites much easier.

Publishing with them allows for your book to be sold on many other platforms, such as the Apple Store and Scribd.

They don't require you to sell your books through them exclusively.

Authors should also have digital versions of their own books for sale on their own sites.

I believe that every author should have their own website or blog, and that you should have your books available for purchase there as well.

It is never a good idea to rely on someone else to exclusively handle your product because things can change in an instant.

One minute a business can be booming.

But blink, and it could very well be out of business.

On my business blog, I sell books there as a PDF.

Most smartphones can open a PDF, so, all you need is a PDF and a PayPal account to get the ball rolling with your own book sales from your website.

I have a Wordpress.org blog, and use plugins to make the delivery of the PDF much easier for me.

But, if you don't have Wordpress.org, there are still ways that this can be done.

In order to sell your books from your own website, your focus has to be on getting traffic, readers and building a list.

This way has more work involved, but, it allows you to be in control of your sales and promotion.

Look at it this way.

You are a business owner.

Your books are your product.

So, why wouldn't you want to get people to come to your business (your website or blog) to purchase their product?

Authors have to get proactive with their books and stop just putting their books up on a website and riding off the traffic.

Be sure to check back here for more information on building your author website, your following and your income.

Until next time,

P.S, If you liked this post, be sure to share it.
To get more tips and strategies on how to build your career as an author, click here

Add This Book To Your Success Library: Steve Harvey's Book, "Act Like A Success, Think Like A Success"

Do you have a Success Library? If You Do, Then Steve Harvey's book, "Act Like A Success, Think Like A Success" Should Be On The Shelf.

I am always on the look out for books that can help me to play a bigger game in both business and life.

I think that every entrepreneur should have a success library full of books that they can use to help keep them motivated and inspired in this walk of being our own bosses.

I understand that there are many people who want success, but don't want to do those things that will cause success to come to them.

In reading Steve Harvey's book, Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success: Discovering Your Gift and the Way to Life's Riches I was blown away by his wisdom and the story of how he arrived at where he is today. He lets you know that he was not always the success we see on television and read about in his books.

He had to start somewhere.

Many people never, ever start.

They will talk about starting, but they will never put one foot in front of the other and start.

One of the biggest things I got from this book is to not be afraid to ask.

It is so important that you understand this.

You know, we are often taught that we should not ask so many questions, or that there are certain things that we should not ask for.

Not asking for help when you need it could be the difference between your success or failure.

Think about it: how many times have you needed help with something but were afraid to ask for help because you did not want people to think that you were dumb, or surprised that you didn't know the answer already?

(Am I the only person raising my hand???)

Or, how many times were you in need of finances for one reason or another, but did not ask because you did not want people to know that you needed money?

Closed mouths don't get fed.

Never be afraid to ask for what you need.

The bible even tells us that we 'have not because we ask not.'

Another thing I learned is that you have to prioritize and plan for success.

What are you doing to show the universe that you are ready for success to come your way?

One thing I have learned from studying the habits of successful people is that they are not lovers of sleep. They take power naps, but they don't sleep.

The rapper T.I. said in one of his songs that he will sleep when he is buried.

When being a success becomes a priority in your life, you will not love sleep anymore either.

Successful people start their days earlier than most others--some as early as 3:15 am!

I have kids, so I have to work in a few hours of rest where I can.

But I don't love sleep.

In fact, right now as I type this, it is 1:29 am , eastern standard time.

I have to get up at 7 am for church.

And I will.

I can't imagine sleeping an entire day when there is so much work to be done in my business!

You need to set goals, and plan for your success.

If you don't plan, you will fail.

So, I encourage you today to purchase your copy of Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success: Discovering Your Gift and the Way to Life's Riches. It will change your life.

Until next time,

Meet Fantasy Author T.C. Southwell

This month's featured author is T.C Southwell, author of "The Queen's Blade: Book 1".

Bio

T. C. Southwell was born in Sri Lanka and moved to the Seychelles when she was a baby. She spent her formative years exploring the islands – mostly alone. Naturally, her imagination flourished and she developed a keen love of other worlds. The family travelled through Europe and Africa and, after the death of her father, settled in South Africa.

T. C. Southwell has written over thirty fantasy and science fiction novels, as well as five screenplays. Her hobbies include motorcycling, horse riding and art, and she is now a full-time writer.

Excerpt:

In the time of Shamsara, Idol of the Beasts, on the world of Chasym, favoured of the great god Tinsharon, Queen Minna-Satu, beloved of the Jashimari, took power upon her mother’s deathbed. Tashi-Mansa, Elder Queen of the Jashimari, died two days later from the poison she had taken, and was duly interred within the royal tomb. On the day of her coronation, Minna-Satu stood upon the Plinth of Power and declared herself sworn to her people and the Endless War. Her declaration, however, proved different from those who had gone before her, for she vowed to bring an end to the eternal conflict.

Of the vast crowd that cheered and celebrated her ascension, many went away muttering darkly of her vow, unable to envision a world without war, an economy unspurred by the dark trades of death and weaponry. The Jashimari and the desert people of the Cotti had been at war for eight generations at least, some said longer, and none could remember its beginning or the reason for it. All that was known was that each successive queen was sworn to continue it, and every boy who reached manhood must fight in it, save those of high rank. Now their young Queen, daughter of the long line of queens who had upheld the honour of their people, had vowed to end it.

The seasoned warriors gathered before the golden palace to witness the new Queen’s pledge raised their white-plumed spears in salute, and the populace beyond their ranks roared in adulation, as if her words had not reached them. In truth, the day’s celebrations, the music, marching, chanting and priestly exhortations to the faithful, brushed this oddity from most people’s minds much as a spider web is swept from its dusty corner by a housewife’s broom. Some, with more ordered minds, noted it, wondered at it, and filed it away, while others wrote it down in texts and records. A few penned it on notes that swift, feathered messengers flew across the land, into the hands of the enemy king.

Upon receiving the first of these messages, King Shandor of the Cotti laughed uproariously and handed it to his eldest son. Prince Kerrion read it and tossed it aside, his countenance unlightened by levity. Shandor shook his head, still chuckling, and gazed at the sea of armoured warriors that surrounded his desert camp, an unstoppable tide of brawn marching inexorably towards the mountains that guarded Jashimari lands. There they would hurl themselves against the defenders’ ramparts in waves of bloody combat in the time-honoured way.

Thus, with Queen Minna-Satu’s declaration, began a time that would be remembered always. A time of sorrow and pain, of struggle and sacrifice; a time that would be named after the man who brought it about: the time of the Queen’s Blade.

Free download link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/33966

Contact T.C. Southwell

Email: fantasyauthor21@gmail.com

Website: http://www.tcsouthwellbooks.com/ 

Blog: http://tcsouthwell.blogspot.com/  

Would you like to be a featured author here on 'Meet The Author'. Click here to get all the details.

Until next time,

Another NFL Player Arrested Over Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence charges are hitting the NFL hard. In the past few weeks, a total of 12 NFL players have been arrested. Read more at nbcnews.com

Read about the Johnathan Dwyer arrest at boston.com.

Why I Am A Michael Kors Handbag Fanatic

Hi, my name is Sandra, and I am addicted to Michael Kors Handbags.

There, I have admitted it.

There is just something about the Michael Kors brand that screams affordable luxury.

In fact, that's just what it is.

The Michael Kors brand was founded on the concept of making women looking good without having them break the bank.

In a recent post I wrote, I talked about how Michael Kors aimed his marketing at a group of people who had money to spend, but weren't necessarily rich yet.

This class of people, known as the HENRY's (High Earners Not Rich Yet) devour the Michael Kors brand.

With the least expensive handbag having a price tag of just over a hundred dollars, Michael Kors Handbags were definitely not intended for those who are strapped for cash.

This may be the biggest motivator behind the counterfeit bag industry.

According to cnbc.com, selling counterfeit bags is a billion dollar market.

You most often see these operations in urban communities, largely due to the fact that women in lower income areas also love designer handbags, but lack the funds to afford the hefty price tag.

So, they head to their nearest street vendor or knockoff handbag store and purchase what they think are authentic Michael Kors Handbags, but instead, what they end up with is just an overpriced knockoff.

A person caught selling counterfeit handbags can be fined up to five million dollars or face twenty years in prison.

Another victim of counterfeiting is Coach. The company has filed more than three dozen lawsuits since 2010 against party stores caught selling knock off versions of their handbags.

So, how do you know if the store you shop at is selling real Michael Kors Handbags?

Here is a really good YouTube video to help you spot the difference between a real and a fake Michael Kors Selma bag.

Yes, I love Michael Kors; the real one that is.

Be sure that your bag comes from a store that is known for selling bags of that type, such as Macy's, Nordstrom and other upscale stores. Your local gas station, no matter how nice, is not upscale and should have random Coach, Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton bags hanging on its walls for you purchase.

Unfortunately, you can't tell if an online retailer is selling fakes, so I would suggest when looking for a deal on these purses online that you also shop from sites that are known to sell the real deal.

I hope you have enjoyed this post.

Please like, share and comment. I want to know what you think.

Until next time,

Kimberly Coulter Makes Math Cool With Pre-Algebra (The Remix) 2

Featured Author: Kimberly Coulter 

Bio: 

Kimberly S. Coulter is a lifelong learner and currently completing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy and Change. She received her master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Educational Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. While there she earned the prestigious Martin Luther King/César Chávez/Rosa Parks Future Faculty Fellowship. Coulter is the owner of Coolin and Schoolin, an educational consulting firm that provides comprehensive services to schools and produces audio and visual educational products uniquely designed for today's urban educators, parents and students. She is also the author of Pre-Algebra (The Remix)2. Prior to her work at Coolin and Schoolin, she was an elementary and middle school principal. Photos: Contact information: Coolin and Schoolin Kimberly Coulter P.O. Box 7162 Flint, Michigan 48507-0162 (810) 835-8727

Title: Pre-Algebra (The Remix)2 

Sample: Pre-Algebra (The Remix)2 

Why Pre-Algebra (The Remix)2? ALGEBRA!? It’s worse than saying “boo.” Most people are scared to death of algebra and flunk it in their minds before they even step foot in the class. Why? You hear it from everybody: parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles.

 “Ah man you’re about to take algebra?”

Well the next time that someone asks you that, surprise them and say, “Yes and I am about to get paid too!”

Hmmm how?

 Well, algebra is the gateway to higher levels of math which means higher paying jobs.
 Here’s your first equation:

 More math + More practice = More $money$

 Pre-Algebra (The Remix)2 will help you master certain pre-algebraic skills that will prepare you for Algebra 1 and higher levels of math so that your life can be that music video.

Table 1: Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Careers Average Salary Profession (Job) Average Annual Salary

• Computer Programmer $71,380 
• Software Developer $90,530 
• Computer and Information Research Scientist $100,660
•  Aerospace Engineer $97,480
•  Architect $72,550
•  Biomedical Engineer $81,540
•  Chemical Engineer $90,300
•  Drafter $47,880 
• Environmental Engineer $78,740 
• Surveying and Mapping Technician $37,900
•  Mathematician $99,830 
• Statistician $72,830
•  Actuary $87,650
•  Physician $166,400+ 
• Veterinarian $82,040 
• Electrician $48,250 

 http://jobsearch.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=jobsearch&cdn=careers&tm=47&f=10&tt=11&bt=7&bts=5&zu=http%3A//www.bls.gov/search/ooh.asp%3Fct%3DOOH

 Track 4: Combine Like Terms:  Momma Said Go Clean Your Room!

Combine like terms?

 This means to put everything that is the same together just like you would if your Momma told your sister to tell you to clean your room. You would put all of your hats together, all of your shoes together and all of your games together (if you did not want to get on punishment or get a whopping). In Pre Algebra, you do the same thing.
 Look at this expression. 4h + 7n + 8n + 2h

Each of these terms has either an “h” or “n”. To combine like terms put all of the h’s together and put all of the n’s together. 4h + 2h=6h and 7n + 8n=15n. Those same expressions will now look a little something like this: 6h + 15n Try this one and don’t get scared because now you see a subtraction symbol. 9y - 2t + 6t+ 3y Let’s do the y’s first. 9y + 3y=12y right? Now to the t’s. -2t + 6t = 4t (If you are confused about this part, skip to the Interlude Adding and Subtracting Integers on page 28.)

 p. 16 So after combining like terms the expression will be: 12y+4t

 Last one. 

Watch how this problem disappears. 2y-15g+4w-2y+15g-4w 
Do the y’s first.
2y-2y=0
Let’s do the g’s next.
 -15g+15g=0 The only ones left are the w’s.
 4w-4w=0

 0+0+0=? You tell me.

 It’s Game Time… p. 17 Combining Like Terms Game Time Show What You Know Sheet Directions: Combine like terms of each expression. Double check and then triple check your work.
1. 8l+6l-2d+5d
2. 5h-7g-4g-3h
3. 16u-8p+9u+4p
4. -11b+5c-2b+5c
5. 21x+21f+41x+5z+55x
6. 7t-6n+45t-3n
7. 88w+91w-6s+18e-2w-7s
8. 14a+31k+13k-7a-6k
9. 67j+12t-25j+14t-8g

 Track 5 Order of Operations (O.O.O.):

Can I speak to Shalaycia?

You and your boy Darnell are trying to call your friend Shaylacia.
Her phone number has 7 digits: 230-0821. You must dial the digits in order if you want to talk to her, right?
But what will happen if you accidentally dial 230-0812.
``You have the wrong number.” [Click]
What about 230-0182?
“Shalaycia doesn’t live here.” [Click]
 230-8210?
“WHO?” [Click] 
As you can see, there are many different ways to use the right numbers.
Pre-algebra is the same way.
There are many different wrong answers you can get if you do something out of order.
The correct order of solving Pre-algebraic equations is called Order of Operations.

 Look @ this expression. 1+9X5-3 There are many parts to this expression and many ways to figure it out. You could get at least three different answers from this one problem and only one of the answers is right. So what do you do? Usually everybody wants to do the easiest part first.

I can hear you now “Ooh ooh. I know 1+9= 10. I’ll start there.”

NOPE!

Don’t be fooled or tricked into getting the wrong answer by doing the part that you think that you should do first. If you do you will get the wrong number.
The correct order, Order of Operations (O.O.O.), is simple.

Check it.

Table 6: Order of Operations (O.O.O.)
Step 1 Parenthesis 
Step 2 Exponents from left to right 
Step 3 Multiply and Divide from left to right
Step 4 Add and subtract from left to right 

The way that I was taught to remember the order was by memorizing:
Parenthesis= Please
Exponents= Excuse
Multiplication= My
Division= Dear
Addition= Aunt
Subtraction= Sally

But I don’t have an Aunt Sally. 

 You can use that method or the
Coolin and Schoolin model:
Parenthesis= PLAN on
Exponents=EARNING
Multiplication= MORE
Division= DOLLARS
Addition AND Subtraction= SAVING some

The book can be purchased from:
www.reallycoolmath.com
www.iamcoolinandschoolin.com 
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/179-2196456-2777830?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=%22pre-algebra%20the%20remix%22http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pre-algebra-kimberly-coulter/1119638528?ean=9781615394876 

How To Find An Editor For Your Book

In today's blog post I am going to give you a few pointers on how to find an editor for your book.

There are lots of people out here in the internet streets who have decided to hang out a shingle and call themselves book editors; and they have been taking many unsuspecting authors for a ride.

These so called 'editors' have been bleeding authors dry, while leaving them with a poorly edited book; often resulting in numerous complaints from readers and hundreds, if not thousands, or dollars lost in the long-run. 

You should know that not all editors are created equal.

Not everyone who calls themselves an editor works with books.

This is why it is so important that you as an author take the time to educate yourself on what an editor actually is, the types of editors, and which editing services you need in order to produce a professional book.

So how do you find a good editor who won't take you for a ride and really knows what they are doing?

First, look for someone who has experience in editing the types of books that you write. It would be a good idea to look for someone whose job it is to edit. 

A book editor will be well-versed in the various manuals of style (i.e., The Chicago Manual of Style), and will understand what it takes to make a story flow correctly.

A person who edits textbooks may not necessarily be a good fit to edit your fiction book, and vice versa.

Your book should not be a guinea pig for anyone because you want to make sure to put your best foot forward when you are presenting your book to the world.

Do a Google search for an editor in your genre. Most professional editors have a website and contact form. Some even offer free edits of a few pages to allow you to decide whether they would be the right editor for you. 

You should also know that there are different types of editors to address each level of editing your book may need. I will share that in a different post.

Ask to see samples of their work first and reach out to some of their former clients if that information is available to you.

You can reach out to your local colleges to connect with creative writing students who are looking to build their portfolios around editing. Often times you can negotiate a fair rate in exchange for a testimonial.

Another route you can explore to find an editor would be to find a retired English teacher. I say retired because they will more than likely have the extra time to invest in editing your book properly and may be willing to work for a negotiated rate.

You can visit online forums that center around writing and publishing to find editors looking for work.

You can post your job for an editor on sites such as upwork.com or fiverr.com.

As I stated earlier in this post, I will talk about the different types and levels of editing your book may need, in a later message here on the blog.

Until next time,

How Podcasting Can Help You Sell More Books

Podcasting can be a great promotional tool for authors

If you are like many authors, you are probably looking for new and exciting ways to get the word out about your business. Well, there is a way that you can do that without having a huge marketing budget. In fact, you can even start your very own professional podcast for free, using a service called blog talk radio.

Blogtalkradio came onto the scene in 2006, offering a platform for amateur radio show hosts to launch their own radio shows online. Since its inception, the site has allowed regular everyday people to interview some of the biggest names in entertainment, media and other arenas.

What is podcasting?

Podcasting is derived from the words 'broadcasting' and ipod. The most popular format of a podcast is MP3, which is a type of audio file. It is a form of audio broadcasting on the internet.

Podcasting became linked to the ipod because people would download the broadcasts to listen to them on their ipods.

Now, you can listen to a podcast on virtually any device, from your desktop computer to your smartphone, to your tablet.

You can record your talk radio style podcasts from home and share them with people all over the world.

People like to hear from authors, so you could actually use this platform to interview other authors, or to do readings from your book.

If your book is nonfiction, you can use a podcast to share your expertise on a particular subject.

How can podcasting work for me?

Think podcasting wouldn't work for you. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you passionate about a particular subject?

2. Does your book touch on a subject that you could build a show around?

3. Do you feel comfortable talking about a subject?

These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself.

Then, sit down with a pen and paper and write down your show ideas.

Authors On Tour is a great example of podcasting that focuses on interviewing authors. It is a live broadcast of authors being interviewed at Tattered Cover Book Store with three locations in Colorado. 

So, if you have been looking for ways to promote your book, consider starting your own podcast.

Interested in learning about more ways to promote your book? Subscribe to my mailing list where I share tips and strategies to help you build a business around books. You can do that here.

Until next time,